Practice management principles

chapter 18 Practice management principles





BUSINESS PLAN


Whatever your mission and philosophy, for your practice to survive and thrive, its business fundamentals must be sound. A business strategy needs to be based on the most likely scenario, but it also has to consider the potential ‘worst case’ financial scenarios.


An initial scoping exercise will assess the existing services in your local area and whether there is a demand for the services you are planning to provide. If you provide a largely locally based service then you will need to assess the likely patient demographic and the patients’ special health needs. If your practice is likely to draw from a wider area because it provides more specialised services for which patients are prepared to travel, then that demographic will be different and may only become evident with time as the clinic and its practitioners develop a reputation for expertise in particular areas.


All potential costs need to be factored in, as well as realistic projections of turnover and growth trajectory, including buying or leasing costs of furniture, phone systems, IT, medical equipment, leasing or holding costs of premises, insurances, cleaning, utilities, consumables and staffing.


Material resources need to be planned and discussed with team members and administration staff. Decisions on big-ticket items like computer systems and software need to be made very carefully, with a view to future capacity, not just current need. You also need to decide whether to buy, lease or hire-purchase major equipment.


Staffing levels for administration need to be appropriate to the required skill set and demand due to current and anticipated patient traffic. Staff levels will need to be adjusted as required. The selection of practice manager will be central to your success and your own mental health. This person will need to have the skills to set up and operate the office systems, deal with staff and suppliers, and ensure the smooth running of the business. A mixture of full-time and part-time staff can provide the continuity and flexibility required in a small to medium-sized practice.


Employment contracts that comply with relevant legislation need to be created. It is important to have an occupational health and safety policy and an equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policy in place as an appendix to employment contracts.


Establishing a service-oriented culture from the front desk that pervades your organisation will not only help deliver efficient patient care but also increase the likelihood of profit.



Jun 3, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL SURGERY | Comments Off on Practice management principles

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